The 89^th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature ended with several new state laws affecting TDLR’s Building Trades programs. Some laws became effective immediately, while others will take effect on September 1, 2025. To see the full list of new laws affecting TDLR licensees, please see the legislation page on the TDLR website.

TDLR will adopt new or amended rules, as necessary, to implement the new legislation. Some bills include specific direction to TDLR on the rules the agency must adopt and the deadline for adoption. The rulemaking process includes an opportunity to provide comment on proposed rules. The public can participate in the process when proposed rules are published in the Texas Register and at meetings of the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation when the rules are discussed and brought up for a vote. The rulemaking process can take several months to complete.

To keep abreast of proposed rule changes, TDLR urges interested parties to sign up for email updates tailored to specific licensing programs. Select "important notices" for the programs of interest.

The Texas Journeyman Electrician exam is now separated into two parts. Like the master electrician format, there are knowledge and calculations portions. The overall time limit is the same, but more time is now given to the calculation part to allow for math. The knowledge portion is just over two minutes per question and the calculations portion is just over four minutes per question. Find the full content outline and exam information.

Be Ready for an Audit

Big changes are coming for registered code enforcement officers: To improve processing times, you no longer need to submit your continuing education (CE) credits before you renew your registration. Instead, you could be selected for a random audit of your CE hours once you’ve renewed. So be sure to keep your records current.

We’re excited to make this change because it will help us issue your registration faster! You can see the continuing education requirements for code enforcement officers by visiting our website.

Top Three Registration Mistakes that Cause Delays/Rejections

Avoid the frustration of having to redo your registration for motor fuel devices by steering clear of these common mistakes:

1. Failing to register required devices
2. Registering too many devices
3. Registering devices not regulated by TDLR

These errors can cause application delays or rejections, and once fees are submitted, TDLR does not issue refunds.

How to Avoid These Mistakes

• Verify Before You Submit - Before submitting your Motor Fuel Metering Device application, double-check that the number and type of devices listed match those installed at your fuel station. Construction changes or equipment upgrades can impact your application—review everything carefully.
• Know the Device Types - TDLR regulates six types of motor fuel metering devices. Be sure you understand each one.
  • Multiple products per nozzle (flow < 20 GPM)
  • Single gasoline product per nozzle (flow < 20 GPM)
  • Single diesel/non-gasoline product per nozzle (flow < 20 GPM)
  • Single E85 ethanol fuel per nozzle (flow < 20 GPM)
  • Device with a maximum flow rate of 20 GPM – 100 GPM
  • Device with a maximum flow rate of greater than 100 GPM

                 Note: Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is not regulated by TDLR and should not be registered.     

• Don't Confuse E85 with Ethanol-Free Gas - One common mistake is registering ethanol-free gasoline as E85. Ethanol-free gas has no ethanol, while E85 contains 51%–83% ethanol. Always verify the fuel type each device dispenses.
• Count Satellite Nozzles Correctly - Satellite nozzles on high-flow diesel dispensers (e.g., > 20 GPM) are not separate devices. They share the same meter and should not be counted twice. Example: 8 dispensers with satellite nozzles = 8 devices total, not 16.
• Use the Compliance Guide - Gas station owners should refer to the Compliance Guide for Motor Fuel Metering and Quality.  It includes:
  • Device requirements
  • Consumer info stickers
  • Fuel rating labels
  • Delivery records
  • Device maintenance

Find links to TDLR forms and full laws and rules on our website.

Need Help?

Contact us at: [email protected] or 1-800-803-9202. Your service technician can also help you verify device types and counts

Chapter 469 of the Government Code (Elimination of Architectural Barriers) makes it clear that owners are responsible for complying with the Texas Accessibility Standards, but owners can have others take care of compliance as long as they fill out the proper form.

To have management companies, designers, tenants or someone else handle your compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), make sure you fill out the required TDLR Owner Agent Designation form, which acknowledges that your agent can make changes and decisions on your behalf. 

If You’re an LLC or LLP

In cases where a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) owns a property, there isn’t typically an individual directly associated with the owning entity. In these situations, TDLR requires the parent entity or partner to fill out the TDLR Owner Agent form designating the parent entity or partner as the agent.

The Buck Stops with You!

Keep in mind, even when someone else is handling compliance, the owner is ultimately responsible for complying with TAS. Check out this information sheet for answers to frequently asked questions about project ownership and TAS compliance.

The Texas summer months are already scorchers, but even more so for mold remediators working in enclosed areas, often without AC, and in protective suits and masks.

Here are some best practices to stay safe:

• Stay Hydrated - Drink plenty of water before, during, and after work. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, which can lead to dehydration.
• Take Regular Breaks - Schedule frequent rest periods in cool or shaded areas. Even a few minutes of cooling down can make a big difference.

• Wear Appropriate Clothing - When possible, wear lightweight, breathable clothing under your protective gear.
• Work During Cooler Hours - If outdoor work is involved, schedule heavy tasks for early mornings or late afternoons when temperatures are lower.
• Monitor Yourself and Others - Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Don’t hesitate to speak up and take a break if you or a coworker start feeling unwell. Call emergency services if needed.
• Use Cooling Aids - Fans, cooling vests and wet towels can help lower body temperature.

Taking these precautions protects your health and lets you perform your vital work safely and effectively. Please encourage open communication about how everyone is feeling throughout the day.

Inspections Update:

Over the last six months our team of environmental protection specialists has conducted more than 250 field and desktop inspections. The current focus is reaching out to mold remediation companies and mold assessment consultants to identify violations in processes and to educate to prevent future violations.

Our goal in the mold program is to be an essential resource in the mold remediation and assessment industry, rather than an enforcement figure.  

Email our team at [email protected] and one of our environmental protection specialists will be happy to assist you with your questions.

Routine maintenance is one of the most critical components in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of any boiler system. While some maintenance procedures require specialized training and tools, there are several basic inspections and tasks that should be performed regularly:

1. Test the Safety Relief Valve - The safety relief valve is the boiler’s last line of defense against overpressure. A stuck or malfunctioning valve can lead to catastrophic failure. It is recommended to lift the test lever on the valve periodically, per the manufacturer’s guidelines and jurisdictional requirements, to make sure it opens and reseats properly. If the valve does not function as expected, it must be replaced immediately. Never plug or cap a safety valve.
2. Clean Scale from the Water Side - Scale buildup on the water side of a boiler can significantly reduce heat transfer efficiency, increase fuel consumption, and contribute to overheating and tube failure. Routine blowdowns and periodic chemical cleaning are essential to maintaining a clean internal surface. Visual inspections through handholes and manholes (when the boiler is offline and depressurized) can help identify areas where scale may be accumulating.
3. Check for Leaks and Corrosion - Routine visual inspections around the boiler and associated piping should be conducted to identify signs of leaks, corrosion, or unusual wear. Pay close attention to joints, seams, and low points where moisture tends to collect. Addressing small leaks early can prevent major damage and maintain system integrity.
4. Monitor Water Level Controls and Cutouts - Verify the water level control and low-water cutoffs are operating properly. These components protect the boiler from running dry, which can lead to severe damage. Test these controls as often as required by code and manufacturer’s recommendations.
5. Inspect the Burner and Fuel Supply - Regularly examine the burner flame for stability and color. A yellow or irregular flame may indicate poor combustion or fuel-air mixture issues. Make sure that fuel supply lines, valves, and filters are in good condition and free from obstructions.

Routine boiler maintenance is not only a best practice—it is a safety imperative. A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently, lasts longer, and operates more safely. By conducting these basic checks and staying vigilant for signs of trouble, facilities can prevent incidents and maintain compliance with codes and standards. When in doubt, always consult with a certified boiler inspector or the boiler manufacturer.

All About A2L Refrigerant

The entire HVAC industry is dealing with big changes this year. The phasing out of R410A refrigerants over global warming concerns is happening faster than the previous phase out of R22 for its potential to deplete the ozone. That means the transition to A2L refrigerants is happening more quickly as well.

What are A2L Refrigerants?

A2L refrigerants are a class of mildly flammable refrigerants, developed as part of the HVAC industry’s transition to more environmentally friendly alternatives. These refrigerants fall under the A2L classification according to ASHRAE Standard 34, where “A” indicates low toxicity, and “2L” signifies low flammability with limited flame propagation. The adoption of A2L refrigerants, such as R-32 and R-454B, is driven by their significantly lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to traditional refrigerants like R-410A and R-134A.

 What Federal Regulations are Driving A2L Refrigerants?

The federal regulation driving the use of A2L refrigerants in the United States is the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, signed into law in December 2020. The AIM Act gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authority to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants widely used in air conditioning, refrigeration, and other cooling systems.

 A2L Refrigerant Codes and Standards

Prior to the 2024 International Mechanical Code, A2L refrigerants were not recognized for use in HVAC. Starting with the 2024 IMC, numerous requirements were added that govern the design and installation of systems using A2L refrigerants, including refrigerant charge limits, ventilation requirements, leak detection requirements, and shaft enclosures.

Congratulations to the Vice Presiding Officer of TDLR’s Texas Industrialized Building Code Council, Stephen Shang! At the World of Modular Annual Convention and Tradeshow in Las Vegas in April, Shang was elected to be the new Modular Building Institute (MBI) president. MBI is the international non-profit trade association serving modular construction.

TDLR’s Industrialized Housing and Buildings Team Lead Kelly Kelly (left) and Program Specialist Crisi Cooper (right) attended the April convention as well. Through featured speakers, educational breakout sessions, and participants and exhibitors from all over the world, they heard fresh perspectives on trends, technologies and regulatory challenges shaping the modular industry worldwide.

Congrats also to Kelly Kelly, who retired in May after 18 years with TDLR. We will miss you, Kelly!

1. TRUE OR FALSE: If I pass an ICC Electrical Certification Exam or a NASCLA Electrical Exam, I can then get my Texas electrical license.
2. Does experience as a fire marshal meet the one-year license eligibility requirement for a code enforcement officer?
3. Who can perform a motor fuel metering device performance review?
4. TRUE OR FALSE: If I don’t know information about my property, like the county appraisal district account number, I can leave it blank on the TDLR form.
5. When is a mold remediation contractor required to notify TDLR about a mold remediation project?
6. How often should I perform routine maintenance on my boiler?
7. When performing a Manual J (heat load calculation) as required by code, how many occupants shall be included in the load per the ACCA standard?

A. One occupant.

B. Number of occupants plus the family pets.

C. Number of bedrooms plus one occupant.

D. Number of people expected for the 4th of July party.

            8. What is the difference between industrialized housing (modular homes) and manufactured                    housing (mobile homes)?

Please file a complaint with TDLR alleging unlicensed practice if you have evidence that a person or business with a revoked license is continuing to advertise or perform services that require a license in Texas.

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT

You can file a complaint online for most TDLR programs. 

Although TDLR accepts anonymous complaints, you must provide your name and contact information when you submit the complaint if you want to receive information about the status or progress of your complaint.

Please note that if your complaint does not allege a violation of the law or rules or does not include enough information for TDLR to investigate the allegations, TDLR will not open a complaint.

Read more about TDLR's complaint investigation and resolution process.

TDLR employs people in a wide variety of professional, administrative and technical positions and provides a total compensation package that enables us to attract, motivate, and retain highly skilled and talented employees.

Our employees also enjoy agency and state benefits and the opportunity to contribute toward TDLR's vision of being the leader in public service by creating innovative, low cost and regulatory best practices, and cultivating employees who provide exceptional customer service.

TDLR is a proud member of the We Hire Vets employer recognition program, which identifies Texas employers whose workforce consists of at least 10% military veterans.

Check out the positions we have available. Didn't see anything that's right for you? You can sign up to receive emailed notifications when we add job openings.